Events

Disability Calendar of Events | Annual Gala | Ability Awards

Ability Awards

The Able Trust annually recognizes individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions toward the employment of Florida citizens with disabilities. Five awards are given at the Trust's annual Ability Awards ceremony. These include:

Dr. George L. Spelios Leadership Award
Dr. George L. Spelios was a founding director and past chair of The Able Trust who touched the lives of many through his passion and commitment to serve people with disabilities. As a tribute to his years of dedication and service, The Able Trust established this award in his memory to recognize the outstanding leadership and advocacy efforts of an executive director or president of a Florida nonprofit disability organization.

Beverly Chapman Award for Outstanding Employment Program
Beverly Chapman was named the 1989-Disabled American of the Year and the Floridian of the Year and is remembered for her advocacy for employment and independence for persons with disabilities. In addition to her unceasing advocacy, she developed a computer-training program for persons with severe disabilities at Valencia Community College. The Beverly Chapman Award provides recognition and high visibility for outstanding job placement programs for persons with disabilities in Florida.

The Able Trust Award for Outstanding Entrepreneur
Since its inception in 1990, The Able Trust has been witness to many individuals worthy of recognition for their ingenuity and innovative entrepreneurial achievements. The award is given to an individual using his or her skills to overcome a disability, increase the growth and direct the future vision of the business, support and promote the hiring of other persons with disabilities and participate in community outreach and service projects.

Employer of the Year Award
Because employers offer valuable resources to Florida's citizens with disabilities, The Able Trust has established this award, designed to recognize Florida employers for their outstanding leadership in the employment of persons with disabilities. The award also recognizes the business for actively seeking to employ persons with disabilities and for their efforts to promote these employment opportunities.

Media Award
Media plays a vital role in the public's perception of individuals, products and services, especially for the disability community. This newly established award recognizes an individual or organization, either from the media, public, or private sector, who has developed a public awareness product, which includes persons with disabilities in the content. The product can be distributed to the public via print, radio or television, but must be placed in Florida. The winner of this award has used progressive imagery and language while featuring persons with disabilities and their abilities.

Youth Leader Award
This award recognizes a young adult (age 15-21) with a documented disability who has shown outstanding leadership, community service or advocacy to help advance the efforts or raise positive awareness about Florida’s disability community. This youth should serve as a model leader for other young adults with disabilities.